First time as CNA - any advice?

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Jun 9, 2011

The real world is totally different from class, so I don't know if you really need to brush up on anything. I don't know what shift you work but you'll probably have to take shortcuts. When I first started I didn't reposition people or do mouth care... my trainer never did those things and I was so busy/panicked I didn't even think of it, never mind have time for it. After a while I got faster and realized that, duh, I should be doing these things! By then I was efficient enough to be able to incorporate them into my routine. Do your best and realize that you can't be perfect, but you CAN give reasonably good care to everyone if you're organized enough... eventually. I've been working on the same unit for a long time now and I still tweak my routine almost daily. I am the queen of efficiency!... almost to the point where I'm obsessive about it.

Queen33FutureLPN, CNA · Jun 9, 2011

Please do not get frustrated take your time.Always do your job to the best of your ability!!

cmm4ever · Jun 9, 2011

The real world is totally different from class, so I don't know if you really need to brush up on anything. I don't know what shift you work but you'll probably have to take shortcuts. When I first started I didn't reposition people or do mouth care... my trainer never did those things and I was so busy/panicked I didn't even think of it, never mind have time for it. After a while I got faster and realized that, duh, I should be doing these things! By then I was efficient enough to be able to incorporate them into my routine. Do your best and realize that you can't be perfect, but you CAN give reasonably good care to everyone if you're organized enough... eventually. I've been working on the same unit for a long time now and I still tweak my routine almost daily. I am the queen of efficiency!... almost to the point where I'm obsessive about it.

Are we supposed to be repositioning everyone or only if its says to?

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Jun 10, 2011

If you have someone who is able-bodied enough to reposition themselves, no. Otherwise, you should do it at least every 2 hours.

allnurses Guide · Jun 11, 2011

Are we supposed to be repositioning everyone or only if its says to?

Oh, cmm4ever... think...

Think about why you would be doing so!!

Poor blood circulation and a lack of mobility equals... what?

Don't wait to be told.

Use good judgment.

You may have a patient who is normally mobile, but what if they are (for example) very sedated on this particular day.

You notice that they aren't moving like they normally do.

After you have checked to see that they are still breathing... you think about the fact that they have been lying in the same position for an hour or so.

What would you do?

Why would you do it?

What would happen if you didn't?

It says on paper that they are independent... but not today.

Nothing is black and white.

That is where common sense and what you have learned comes into play.

You cannot possibly be given a play-by-play on what to do.

Think!

This is where I argue with people who try to say that CNAs don't need to have critical thinking skills.

cmm4ever · Jun 13, 2011

I was thinking and know why repositioning needs to be done,.. but I meant I know certain people it says reposition every 2 hours, and for people that it doesnt say it for..its not documented. I prop them up etc, but they are going to do what they want (the people that do not have turn and position every 2 hours by their name). I guess it really comes down to who it really has to be documented on...doctors orders. I mean I still do it but I mean technically to the hospital it isnt necessary.

allnurses Guide · Jun 13, 2011

I guess it really comes down to who it really has to be documented on...doctors orders. I mean I still do it but I mean technically to the hospital it isnt necessary.

Yes, the sad truth is you have to make sure everything looks good on paper.

You don't lie, but you are a slave to documentation.

And I'm glad you "still do it"... lol

I think, that as you continue your journey and expand your horizons, you will see how some of what you say now, makes me cringe.

I am not beating you up, cmm4ever.

I am sensing potential in the mere fact that you seem very anxious to do the right thing... and I almost ache for you because I remember doing the same thing!

That is how we learn...

First, straight forward and by-the-book... straying from what we are told in no way, shape or form.

Then later, as we accrue more experience and savvy, we realize that what we learned does not always apply. We learn to tweak what we do.

You are still in the first stage... and if you can just stay in one place long enough *ahem*, you will begin to think outside the box and grow.

I'm sorry for hijacking a bit.

I suppose some of this could be taken as advice, in general.

cmm4ever · Jun 13, 2011

Yes, the sad truth is you have to make sure everything looks good on paper.
You don't lie, but you are a slave to documentation.
And I'm glad you "still do it"... lol
I think, that as you continue your journey and expand your horizons, you will see how some of what you say now, makes me cringe.
I am not beating you up, cmm4ever.
I am sensing potential in the mere fact that you seem very anxious to do the right thing... and I almost ache for you because I remember doing the same thing!
That is how we learn...
First, straight forward and by-the-book... straying from what we are told in no way, shape or form.
Then later, as we accrue more experience and savvy, we realize that what we learned does not always apply. We learn to tweak what we do.
You are still in the first stage... and if you can just stay in one place long enough *ahem*, you will begin to think outside the box and grow.
I'm sorry for hijacking a bit.
I suppose some of this could be taken as advice, in general.

Yes I understand. I just want to be productive and be able to get everything done on time and in a safe manner. I took care of four patients by myself yesterday,(one was younger and didnt need much) and it was a pretty good day compared to most other days there. I still dont know how the heck I will be able to do everything for 11 people in that time frame though?! No matter where my career path lands me I just want it to go good and start it sooner than later. I guess Im still weighing my options/feeling things out. Thanks.